What's the best neighborhood in Chicago for a first time visitor?

I've never been to Chicago and I'm a little overwhelmed by all the hotel options. I'd like to stay in a hotel that is central and gives me good sense of what Chicago is like. I'd love to know where locals tell their friends to stay when they visit, and why those areas and hotels are special. thanks!

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I would suggest you to stay in Downtown Chicago, since public transportation is very convenient. Google map will show train/Bus routes.You can go both airports from downtown by taking train and all attractions are accessible.Try Hotel.com or kayak,you will find them for $100 range.If you can rent a car,them there are many options of staying in suburbs like Arlington Heights and commute to downtown.

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Keith

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Most of the hotels are concentrated in one or two areas, you won't find a lot of options out in the neighborhoods. I too would recommend looking in River North and would try to stay closer to Michigan Avenue so you have more options for transportation if you want to visit other areas of the city. There are a ton of restaurants and bars in River North, good access to the main shopping areas of the Mag Mile and State Street, an easy walk to most of the theaters

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If choosing hotel by priceline / hotwire, i would choose Millennium Park or Magnificent Mile areas. That will put you in the heart of the downtown and within walking distance to many of the cities tourist attractions and restaurants. Generally i take visitors to:

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Valerie that all depends on what scene you're into. Every neighborhood has different demographics and scenes. If echo park is your thing in LA then Wicker Park would be very similar( hipsters). If your into hanging out around college age suburbanites go to Lincoln Park, or Wrigleyville right outside Wrigley Field. Catch my drift? Seriously though you'll have fun in most neighborhoods, there just different. Do a little exploring. Go to one and if you find it lame, catch a cab and head somewhere else 😀